Land Rover Defender survives another incarnation

I have to confess, I’m not the biggest fan of SUVs. Not for any tree-tonguing environmental reasons, just because they seem a bit “try too hard” unless they’re actually owned by people who really do need 4×4 capabilities. I’m talking farmers, people trying to cross deserts and NASA moon rovers, not soccar moms scaling the kerb at the local Walmart.

However, there’s something about the idea of a Land Rover Defender, a 3-door in black, that tickles my car-geek tastebuds. And now I have a 2007 model to secretly covet, with a new 2.4 litre diesel engine and the bulging bonnet to accomodate it. My shameful on-road journeys would be made in as close to luxury as the Defender has ever managed, with a redesigned dash featuring heaters that might even work and a radio that picks up more than the shipping forecast. Meanwhile, my off-road journeys would be aided by a new, lower first gear that promises improved responsiveness.

Sadly I won’t be able to afford both the Land Rover and the several acres of land to play in that my easily-shamed ego would demand.